§ 18. Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what assistance or guidance is being given to local authorities in Scotland on the provision of family planning advice.
Mr. Edward TaylorLocal authorities now have very wide powers to develop these services according to the needs of their particular areas. Following the guidance given in my right hon. Friend's circular of 10th August, provision has been made in the Rate Support Grant as stated in the debate on the Grant Order on 16th March for arrangements in their areas.
§ Mr. SproatI thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Can he assure me that everything will be done not only to educate the general public in the facilities 432 available but to educate those local authorities which do not seem to be using the facilities as they might?
Mr. TaylorThe full extent to which the authorities will make use of the wider powers now available to them is not yet fully known, but such reports as I have make it clear that many of them are proposing to provide more comprehensive services.
§ Mr. David SteelHow many, or what percentage of, local authorities have already decided to make use of these greater facilities?
Mr. TaylorThe number is considerable. If the hon. Gentleman will put down a Question, I shall be glad to give detailed information.
§ Dr. MillerCan the hon. Gentleman say whether local authorities intend to provide these facilities themselves, or to provide financial assistance to other organisations to provide the facilities? Will he at some time tell the House about the ramifications of the kind of work which family planning units do?
Mr. TaylorLocal authorities have the power to provide these facilities, or to arrange for them to be provided through an organisation such as the Family Planning Association. If a debate on the subject were initiated, I should be only too glad to provide whatever information hon. Members wished to have.